Stories of Giving

Story of Giving from Anonymous

2012-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Gratitude is something that can take many faces. I am grateful for the opportunity my family and I had in knowing Gary Troyer.

Gary Troyer had a resume that extends beyond the capacity of this submission. He had a distinguished career at Pomona College influencing and inspiring the lives of hundreds of student athletes in both water polo and swimming. Gary also was a SCUBA instructor and taught a variety of other water sports while keeping an eye on his other love, football.

To those who did not know Gary, he could appear to be gruff and unapproachable. For those who had the opportunity to get behind the wall, there you would find the warm, kind, gentle and giving man known as Gary. That is how I knew him, as did my family.

Gary passed away a few weeks ago while on a volunteer assignment. He left a legacy of time, talent and treasure that will live long past his years. In addition to his time at Pomona College, Gary was an active volunteer with the Claremont Chapter of the American Red Cross. He was a Disaster Service Team member and an instructor for first aid and CPR classes. Among other things, he also served as a CERT volunteer for the City of Claremont.

Gary gave of himself throughout his life and professional career to his students and athletes, his family and his friends. Additionally, he gave to his community through his ongoing gift of service and friendship, as well as his unbelievably deliciously grilled tri-tip sandwiches! Gary will be missed and fondly remembered, as his contributions are something for which all in Claremont and those who knew him can be grateful.

Story of Giving from Libby Gill

2012-01-03T17:43:00.001-08:00

As we embark on 2012, I can't help but recognize just how much I have to be grateful for this year. My sons, Harrison and Zack, are juniors in college and high school, respectively. They are happy, healthy, vibrant young men (okay, so I'm biased but it's true). And they continue to teach me lessons in gratitude. It's through their giving that I'm inspired to give. From Zack serving as a "Tree Musketeer" and planting trees in El Segundo to Harrison suggesting I launch a "Libby Cares" non-profit campaign on my website, they continue to be great examples of service to others.

While I haven't fully set my long-term charitable campaign in motion, my Libby Gill & Company team members and I have tried to make a difference in the lives of people who, simply put, have less than we have, at least, in terms of material goods. In the past few years, we "adopted" Salvation Army families to holiday shop for, we gave gently worn women's suits to Dress for Success, and we kicked off a tee-shirt drive for an orphanage in Kenya - thanks to the hundreds of people who donated!

This season, my older son Harrison inspired me to make a donation to Kiva.org on behalf of all the wonderful clients, colleagues and partners I've had to good fortune to work with this year. Kiva, a non-profit whose tagline is "Loans That Change Lives," offers micro-loans to entrepreneurs in emerging and economically challenged countries to help them launch and build local businesses. Harrison, at the ripe old age of 21, has already given ten loans to Kiva. In fact, as each micro-loan is repaid, he rolls the donation over into a new loan for a different company under Kiva's oversight.

We chose a group, run by eleven women and one man, that runs a grocery store in Bolivia. Our loan will help them continue to serve their community and take care of themselves and their families. Thanks, Broadview Mortgage, for putting the spotlight on the joy of giving!

Libby Gill, Business Coach and Author of You Unstuck

Story of Giving from Larry Notheis

2012-01-03T16:27:00.001-08:00

I have worked with RI in Pakistan and I would like to share some of the great work they do around the world. RI believes that donated money should be put to work and they make sure that 87 cents of every dollar goes directly to services.

1. Emergency, Health, and Sanitation: Relief International meets the immediate needs of victims of natural disasters and civil conflicts worldwide with the provision of food rations, clean water, non-food items, transitional shelter and emergency medical services. Beyond emergency situations, Relief International’s field teams provide long term health and nutrition services to communities in need by operating clinics and training health workers. Relief International also provides water and sanitation programming, providing communities with access to clean water, decreasing the incidence of communicable diseases, and improving quality of life.

2. Food and Agriculture: Relief International’s food and agriculture programming embraces environmental awareness by incorporating climate change, natural resource management, and conservation principles into projects that improve global food security. By increasing communities' knowledge of sound agricultural methods suitable to the regional landscape, cultural needs, and environment concerns, Relief International empowers farmers how to diversify viable crops, make the best use of the local growing season, and preserve local natural resources. The result is communities that can produce nutritious food for themselves in a sustainable way.

3. Education and Empowerment: Education is vital to the social and economic integration of future generations. Relief International places a significant focus on this sector to ensure that children affected by conflict can continue to pursue their education. Programs include a wide range of activities: teacher training programs, building libraries and Internet centers, providing books and classroom furniture to under-resourced schools, and promoting equal access to education. These programs also empower youth through service learning and leadership training to become active in their communities and act as agents for change.

4. Livelihoods and Enterprise: Finding new or better work is the most direct path out of poverty for families in need. Relief International facilitates this process by providing vocational training, offering microfinance opportunities, and developing promising value chains. As a result of these efforts, farmers in Tanzania can get their crops to market before they spoil and women in Afghanistan can earn an income to support their families. These programs are aimed at long-term, reliable growth, and Relief International often engages private sector partners to leverage additional resources and guarantee sustainability.

5. Shelter and Infrastructure: When natural disasters destroy housing or conflict forces families to flee their homes, Relief International provides for temporary and permanent shelter. Relief International also contributes to local infrastructure by building schools, irrigation canals, and community centers in impoverished communities. Relief International supports training for local residents so that they can participate in the construction process, creating livelihood opportunities for community members. Complementary programs help make homes safer and more comfortable by promoting products like high-efficiency cook stoves, which decrease indoor air pollution and reduce the need to gather fuel.

6. Protection and Human Rights: Millions of individuals worldwide face discrimination, persecution, and even violence. Relief International is on the forefront of implementing programs to protect and support these individuals and encourage peace through nonviolent conflict resolution. The result is programming that provides legal-assistance, fights trafficking in persons, promotes media and journalism, and encourages democratic governance. The rights of women and girls is a critical issue in this sector, and is incorporated in many of Relief International’s programs. Relief International's approach to civil society development emphasizes cross-cultural understanding and empowerment of vulnerable and under-represented members of society.

Story of Giving from Susan Notheis

2011-12-30T11:32:00.001-08:00

I have been involved as an advocate for the Foothill Gold Line Extension public transportation project since 2008. In an effort to provide the San Gabriel Valley with commuter, community and business persons transportation and job opportunities, I have been working to make citizens aware of the benefits of the Gold Line.

I was amazed to learn that the first phase of the line, from Union Station in Los Angeles to the Sierra Madre Villa Station in Pasadena, was completed on-time and under-budget by the Construction Authority in 2003!

I have arranged numerous day trips in 2011 on this portion of the line for family, friends, and co-workers to expose them to the public art, the sites, history, restaurants and shopping available to commuters along the line. One of the most successful trips was a day trip to South Pasadena in April of 2011. Talk about a city with hospitality and pride -- the people at the Chamber of Commerce were amazingly helpful in planning our trip!

These trips have turned many friends and family into enthusiasts for the Gold Line. For my birthday, I was joined by my two young grandchildren on outings using the train, and it is a truly wonderful experience for all of us.

The next phase of the Foothill Extension from Pasadena to Azusa is scheduled to be completed in 2014 with six new stations established in Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and two in Azusa. I cannot wait until I can set up day trips to Claremont.

Public transportation at this level is long overdue in Los Angeles, and I love being a part of this terrific volunteer effort. You can learn more at www.metrogoldline.org.

Thank you, Tim, and thank you Broadview, for the opportunity to share one of my passions!

Story of Giving from Gary Smith

2011-12-28T17:15:00.002-08:00

My story is also about soccer. Southern California is the hotbed of youth soccer in our country, and club soccer is where young boys and girls pursue their dreams while learning life lessons about the value of commitment, hard work, and team work.

Unfortunately, the mantra of club soccer is “for kids who can play and parents who can pay,” since club fees are typically $1,000 - $3,000 per player per year. Our Foothill Storm team is now in its third year and is committed to offering high-energy boys from all socioeconomic backgrounds an opportunity to play high-level soccer.

Our coach loves this team so much that he commutes from Riverside to train them. This December, they reached the semifinals of League Cup, which places them among the top four teams among nearly 150 Southern California teams in their under-12 age bracket. It was especially satisfying to play better soccer than teams (like Santa Barbara) with expensive uniforms and gear. We saw a team from Yorba Linda (the highest-income city in Orange County) chauffeured to this month-long tournament in San Bernardino in a limousine! Our boys have three-year-old uniforms that are too small and falling apart and no limousine, but they can play soccer.

I have managed this team since its inception and the only way we can make this magic work is through fundraising—finding people who can afford to donate a few dollars to our nonprofit organization. A dollar here, a dollar there, and by the end of the year we’ve paid our modest bills (barely).

Now our boys are turning 12 and we are finally going to have to replace those uniforms they have been wearing since they were 9 years old. But first we have to find the money to pay for them.

Story of Giving from Bill Corrette

2011-12-28T17:15:00.001-08:00

The plight of the orphan has always weighed heavily on my heart. In 1984, I was involved in a mission trip with a small group affiliated with the La Verne Heights Presbyterian Church (LVHPC) that changed my life. We traveled to Mexico to a small town known as Colonia Vicente Guerrero where we served as volunteers at a newly formed orphanage known then as Casa Hogar Bien Venido, “Welcome Home Orphanage.” My life has never been the same since. For eight years after that I worked with a group of dedicated and selfless people to serve the orphans at this home. We started a ministry group at LVHPC known as the Mexico Orphanage Mission Team (MOM). During those years this ministry group made regular trips to Welcome Orphanage, performing construction projects, transporting food and supplies, coordinated and guided mission teams from all over the United States, and provided health care for the children there. During this time I served on the U.S. Board of Directors for six years in addition to serving on this local ministry team.

In 1995 my Pastor introduced me to Stephen Githumbi who was forming a new orphanage in Kenya, African known as Providence Children’s Home. Stephen stepped into the role to fulfill his brother Joram’s vision to start an orphanage in Africa after he suddenly passed away from cancer. Stephen knew of my involvement with Welcome Home and asked if I would become a part of a team to start Providence Children’s Home. I traveled to Houston, Texas where I met with a group of people who had just formed a Providence U.S. Board to get this ministry off the ground, and I was overwhelmed by this group’s heart and passion to serve orphans. I learned and experienced firsthand how HIV AIDS was destroying a nation and how the children were suffering as a result of losing parents to this horrible disease. It was not difficult for me to hear God’s calling in all of this and I have been a part of this ministry ever since. We formed another ministry group around this mission at LVHPC and I am involved on the U.S. Board, serving as the Treasurer at this time.

Providence Children’s Home is located in the Ngong Hills outside of Nairobi. We have a school (1st thru 12th grade) that serves over 500 children, a newly constructed health clinic that was funded through the efforts of Dr. Peter White, a Doctor whose practice is in Upland, and we have an orphanage on site that provides a home for twenty-six girls who are orphaned due to HIV AIDS. We are in the process of constructing a second orphan home and are close to completing that project. This new facility will provide a home for twenty more orphans.

There is a huge need in Kenya for the children who suffer. The death rate among children is unbelievable. Some have said to me that “we need to take care of our own here in the U.S. first.” If one could only experience the horrors of living in the Kibura Slum outside of Nairobi, we would never compare the two again. That is not to say that we don’t have a need to help children in our own communities. I work at a local school where I personally witness these needs, but in Africa, children die daily of starvation and disease with no one able to offer help. It is a heart-wrenching experience that will never leave you the same once you have witnessed it. Many of the girls whose lives have been saved at Providence Children’s Home are from the Kibura Slum.

A group of local people from our community will be traveling to Providence Children’s Home this June to build a basketball court, construct library shelving, provide educational experiences at the school, and to work with and take the orphanage girls on a field trip, to name just a few of the projects. I pray that if my story is selected, that the award money would go toward these projects.

Respectfully Submitted,
William H. Corrette, Treasurer
Providence Children’s Home

Story of Giving from Jeannie Anderson

2011-12-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

I was that child. The child who gratefully received strangers into her home, strangers who came with presents and food for the holidays. A knock at the door, then smiles and kind voices. Brown bags of groceries were stacked on the table next to colorfully wrapped boxes. The three of us danced around the legs of the adults as they shook hands, my mother tearful and thankful.

As an adult I now realize how poor my family was, but as a child I loved this time of year. My belly was always full and our home felt truly blessed. My mother told me that there were people who cared about us so much that they gave from their own homes. I thought of them as my neighbors, although I didn't know who they were. I would try to picture them. Did they have a big family? Were there children my age?

These memories are close to my heart and I carry them with me as I volunteer in my community. Most of us have very little control over the big picture - the politics of the world, but our individual choices leave footprints in the lives of our friends and families. My synagogue and my local community are part of my family and I choose to honor them through my commitment, serving on the Board at my synagogue as Vice President of Social Action for the last three years. There are individuals within my extended family who are less fortunate, who struggle financially, who live pay check to pay check - good people, who need help. I organize food drives, raise funds for the local food bank, and personally make food deliveries. Last year I ran a "Diaper Drive" through my work and the year before it was a Toy Drive.

And every time I give, I think of that child. And it's like I'm giving to myself.

Happy Holidays.

Story of Giving from Sarah Gale

2011-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

They have been playing soccer for over 20 years, but you have probably never heard of them. Their names aren’t Beckham or Hamm or Donovan. They are kids with special needs who just want to play soccer.

This program is called V.I.P and it was founded by AYSO, American Youth Soccer Organization. It has been around for 20 years, but was started in my city this year.

I’m a buddy. Buddies come to games and practices and partner up with the kids and help them play. The team I’m with is called the Red Vipers. One of my good friends comes out with her brother, who has a speech impairment. They kids have grown on me even if I have no siblings on the team.

One little girl has autism and she’s an amazing little player. Another is blind; she can’t see anything yet she is still out there playing soccer.

This experience has been absolutely amazing. Not just for me but for the kids as well. I have gotten so much out of this experience. I love to help and this is the best way. It lets me do two of my favorite things: playing soccer, helping, and teaching.

Story of Giving from Rochelle Armijo

2011-12-23T10:16:00.001-08:00

I was excited to be invited to enter into drawing to be given to my favorite charity. Hats off to Broadview Mortgage who continues to amaze me as their customer and as strong community supporter.

I am a proud member of the Claremont High School Instrumental Music Boosters a non profit organization. Last year when my son joined marching band, I became concerned when I saw the program was unable to meet their basic operating costs let alone addressing other needs for new music, instrument repair, replacement of 20 years old uniforms and etc. It was then I agreed to be the Booster Fundraising Manager. I have coordinated several events spending numerous hours behind the scenes. I do this because I know I am not alone. I am grateful for the parents who share a common vision. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the students. At each event, the music students are there working as a team doing whatever it takes to set up, clean up and perform to help make their event successful. I enjoy volunteering for this non-profit as I know the benefits will help the children today and in the future.

Wishing you many blessings in 2012.

Story of Giving from Jennifer McCrary

2010-12-29T11:34:00.000-08:00

This year I spent about 40 hours as a volunteer, creating a fundraiser for my alma mater high school, which is recognized for its excellent performing arts program, in particular, their yearly musical productions. High school can be a tough time for young people, and I think the arts have grounded many teenagers, including me as I went through those years.

I modeled the fundraiser on one I saw in Ventura County, called Dancing with Our Community Stars (that effort has raised over $174,000 for local nonprofits in only four years.) Though I knew the high school would not raise that level of funds, I followed the basic model of getting leaders at the school - the teachers! - to volunteer as 'Stars', and paired each Star with a student dancer, and the competition has begun! Each Star is competing to 'win' by raising the most money, and $1 equals 1 vote. We convinced the 3 Vice Principals, an Art Teacher, and an English Teacher to dance, and the spirit of the event has already been great - everyone on campus cannot wait to see these teachers dance. The competition will take place January 14th, at the school's annual Dance Concert; funds raised will benefit the Performing Arts Fund and create a new Scholarship Fund to give to a graduating senior(s) who participated in at least 2 years in one area of performing arts.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity

Story of Giving from Heather Brunst

2010-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:00

I was so touched to receive your Stories of Giving card in the mail. Truly this is what Christmas is all about! People always amaze me with the love and hard work they put into making the world a better place.

The group that I volunteer is Kidcare International. Kidcare is a USAID registered organization located right here in Claremont, CA. Over the last fifteen years, the people of KidCare International have reached out with compassion to serve many desperately disadvantaged children in our own community as well as throughout the world. They are not necessarily a large organization as far as number of people or dollars, but they are big as far as impact.

Domestically, Kidcare offers a local foodbank, has just given out thousands of Kidpacks filled with goodies for Christmas, and offers a weekly Study Buddies program. Internationally, they support kids with food, supplies, and medical needs. I personally know people who have accompanied supplies all over the world, and this year they have made numerous additional trips to Haiti to bring food, supplies, and medical help.

Thank you for all you do!

Story of Giving from Robert Gastineau

2010-12-14T09:23:00.000-08:00

Three years ago Phyllis and I moved to Lytle Creek to live in our log cabin Tim helped us finance. Last October we were at the corner across from the mailboxes when we saw three chihuahua dachshund mix dogs. The girls playing in the front yard said someone in a red jeep threw them out of the truck. Phyllis said, "Pick them up!" We were able rescue a male and a female. A couple of days before Halloween, the Mommy Andromeda, or Andy for short, had seven puppies. In the mean time we've adopted out four of the three girls and three boys. Let me know if you have a home for a chi-weenie puppy.

Bob and Phyllis

Please contact if interested in adopting a rescued puppy:

bgastineau1@gmail.com

Story of Giving Gary Smith

2010-12-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

It is easier to write a check, but more satisfying to give your time. I manage a club soccer team that gives high-energy boys from low-income families an opportunity to play competitive soccer. The training sessions, the games, and the team parties bring together families from different neighborhoods, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds and, I hope, teach the boys about the rewards from hard work and how to win joyfully and lose graciously.

Gary Smith
Foothill Storm BU11
http://www.foothillstorm.org/

It is that time again!

2010-11-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

Once again, it is the season for giving thanks. Last year, we invited our clients, friends, family and colleagues to share their stories of giving with the hope of honoring volunteers in our community and to remind us that working together, we make a difference in the world.

The stories were so touching, that I decided that Stories of Giving would be a yearly tradition.In the spirit of community and giving, I invite you to share your story of thanks and good will from 2010 to be posted here on our Stories of Giving blog. What are you grateful for? What type of community or volunteer work do you enjoy? Please send us your story! To do so, send an email to Brooke, our in-house Marketing Specialist, at Brooke@HLCTeam.com. Please keep your story to 200 words or less and submit before December 31st.

Each year, I appreciate the blessings of my life more and more. As we approach this holiday season, I send warm and sincere wishes to all of you now and through the next year for a safe, abundant and healthy year to come.

We greatly appreciate our community partnerships, including...

Rotary International
The HLC Team of Broadview Mortgage sponsored a Shelterbox to Haiti. Shelterboxes each contain a 10-person tent, bedding, utensils, cooking equipment, water purification assistance, tools, books, radios and more. The Rotary Club of Claremont sponsored three additional Shelterboxes. Through Rotary, we have assisted in the selection of the participants of the Teen Leadership Camp. Tim feels fortunate to be the TLC Chair and to select from a group of amazing kids to pick the students who attend this educational trip each year.

Claremont Community Foundation
We work directly with the CCF to offer financial, technical and administrative support for Art and Community Impact Projects funded by the Foundation. The HLC Team of Broadview Mortgage sponsored an art exhibition at the Foundation featuring work from local high school students.

Chamber of Commerce
We have been delighted to participate in the Best Bet Grants Program that helps local teachers fund much-needed programs in their classroom.

Lenders Who Care
Through this national non-profit, we offer education to benefit consumers on homeownership topics. These courses include public events, an ongoing education series for our industry partners, and on-site classes for employers and Human Resource Departments. All events are free.

'Tis the Season for Giving Thanks and Good Will

2009-12-23T11:25:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a treasured time of year for me, as I give thanks for all good people in my life and in my community, including you. I appreciate gathering with the people I care about most to offer a simple moment of gratitude for all that we have in our lives. This holiday season, I would like to invite you to share your story of thanks and good will with me.
During these historic times of change and, for some, true hardship in our nation and in our own towns, I would like to focus on the many acts of kindness and generosity that I have witnessed in my community, and nation-wide:

•Through the Claremont Community Foundation, the HLC Team has offered financial, technical and administrative support for both Art and Community Impact Projects funded by the Foundation.
•Through the Claremont Chamber of Commerce, we have been delighted to participate in the Best Bet Grants Program that helps local teachers fund needed programs in their classroom.
•Through our local chapter of Rotary International, we have assisted in the selection of the participants of the Youth Leadership Camp and helped to organize both trips and events for award recipients and their parents.
•Through our national non-profit service and education partners Lenders Who Care and Herocare, we have created free, non-sales, monthly education programs and we have developed special services to thank our Local Heroes who create and sustain the quality of our lives. Local Heroes include the following: our active and retired educators; first emergency responders; military (including reserves); medical support and hospital employees; non-profit and charitable organizations; and all government workers.

I have been greatly heartened by these community partnerships and by the level of volunteer commitment I have seen benefit our neighbors and those in our community who are less fortunate and who may be struggling.

Now, I would like to reach out to YOU. What are you grateful for? What type of community or volunteer work do you enjoy? Will you send us your story? Please send an email directly to Brooke, our in-house Marketing Specialist at Brooke@HLCTeam.com. Please keep your story to 200 words or less and submit it before Monday, December 21st.

We will automatically enter your name for a drawing to win either a $100 gift certificate to the local restaurant of your choice OR a donation of $500 to your favorite charity in your name.

These stories encourage all of us to remember that, in working together, we may make a difference in the efforts that are important to us.

My family and I have lived and worked in this community my entire life. Each year, I appreciate the blessings of my life more and more. As we approach this traditional holiday season, I send warm and sincere wishes to all of you now and through the next year for a safe, abundant and healthy year to come.

With warm regards,

Tim Harrison
...on behalf of the entire HLC Team at Broadview Mortgage

Story of Giving from Joanne Distaso

2009-12-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

Almost everyday...I thank God for our home. For one...that we have one in this day and age and that we are fortunate enough to live in such a wonderful community like la verne. the home we live in is very special to us because it was the home i grew up in. When my folks told us they were ready to sell six years ago...it was sad for us. We had just been through one of the roughest patches of our lives (hopefully!) our baby girl, Avalon, had been born with a rare heart defect and spent the first two months of her life..fighting for her life. She was airlifted to Children's Hospital Los Angeles and underwent emergency open heart surgery at the age of 8 weeks old. she remained on life support for two months post surgery with possibility of needing a heart transplant. we finally were able to bring her home with us in January of 2004. at the time we were living in Chino HIlls in a very small home...with just enough room for Avalon and us. We couldn't stand the thought of the la Verne home being sold (my folks home). We called tim...he did his magic. We moved into my childhood home in may of 2004. Avalon had just started crawling.

I look back and wonder how we were able to do it. we put our trust in Tim and his team and knew if it was meant to be for us...it would be. I cannot express how thankful I am to be in this home...to have the land we have...to live in the city we live in and most importantly...to have my now six year old daughter Avalon thriving and living life to the fullest. We are blessed, we are fortunate, we are lucky, lucky people! Sometimes i really need to pinch myself to believe it all is real.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles is an amazing, amazing place and we again are fortunate to live where we live and be able to utilize their care. Every year on Avalon's anniversary of her heart surgery, we visit the CTICU where Avalon lived for 2 months. We bring toys, blankets, hair bows, food, donations...whatever we can to give to the other children and their families and the hospital. We give blood and I also offer my photography and design services for their fundraising events. We will never be able to express how grateful we are to that hospital and their wonderful staff. It's impossible!

Ok...I think I may be reaching the word limit...we are thankful...grateful and blessed! Thank you to Tim (and his staff) for being the wonderful, honest and awesome people that they are and for getting us into this home! home is where the heart is and Thank you God...WE have four very healthy ones under the roof!

with warmest regards,greg, joanne, avalon (6) and Max (3 1/2) distaso

Story of Giving from Gil Rivera

2009-12-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the opportunity to give thanks. This year has been challenging and yet much more rewarding than years past. Every effort goes noticed in this marketplace! I am thankful for a great many blessings including the professionals who stayed in the real estate business this year. At the height of the market a few years ago, professionalism amongst many newcomers to the real estate industry was difficult to find. Business calls often went unanswered because many agents could sell a home before the sign was installed in the front yard. These days, the core of the industry continue to strive for excellence.

I am also grateful for the opportunity that real estate has given me to spend time participating with my family this year in community, school and sports events. The camaraderie that one encounters at these events has been extra kind and heartfelt this year as many feel blessed to be surviving the toughest economy in decades.

My family participates in volunteerism thru Lanterman State Developmental Center which borders Pomona, Diamond Bar and Walnut. The Center, which opened in 1927, consists of 21 client residences, 1 acute hospital unit; a variety of training and work sites; a Vocational Training Center; and recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, playgrounds, camp, carousel, equestrian center, track, and a ballpark. Other entities housed on campus include a Research and Staff Training Building, the UCLA Student Immersion Research Program, a Child Day Care Center for community and staff members' children, Credit Union, and the California Conservation Corps. Over 400 clients currently are provided 24 hour care on site.

My family participates thru volunteering on Sundays to take dozens of wheelchair bound and bedridden clients to Church services from 9am-12noon. The disabled clients range in age from mid-20's to 85 years old+. My children have learned to work with the "disabled" and respect them for the many "abilities" they do have. We give thanks for our blessings every time we leave that facility and we also ask that we be as blessed as the clients in their humility, faith and innocence.

Finally, I am grateful for Tim Harrison and the HLC Team at Broadview. I have referred several clients to Tim and associates because they are straightforward, dedicated to doing the right thing for the client, and hardworking. My clients have never walked away from a deal with negative comments about Tim or the staff. Rather, they thank me for referring such a great team.

Looking forward to a blessed and thankful 2010!

Thank you.

2009-12-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

We wanted to say thanks to all of the people who submitted their stories and to announce the winners of our drawing: Gil Rivera and Chris and Joanna Denny. Tim was so moved by all of the stories that he decided to draw two names instead of one. Winners will be receiving $500 to their favorite charity in their name.

Please take a few moments to look through all of the Stories of Giving shared with us here on this page.

Thank you again for sharing your stories with us. Each one touched our hearts.

Story of Giving from Stan and Judy Burwell

2009-12-21T10:55:00.000-08:00

A few years ago a close friend 'volunteered' me for the Role Model Program here in San Jose. The program sends a volunteer out to 'at risk' Elementary and Middle schools in San Jose where we spend one hour a week, for 8 weeks, talking to kids about the value of education and about what I term 'Life Skills' . I've been at it now for about 5 years and have truly enjoyed each and every class. Every class is different, and every bunch of kids is different. Because I'm an 'old' guy and tough, I have been sent to Middle Schools where the kids are a little tougher to control and 'direct'.

It has been an amazing time. It's so fun and rewarding to watch the kids learn to think about things in their lives that they've never thought of before or have felt those 'dreams' were well beyond their means and abilities. One of my key questions is when I arrive I ask them, "Who would like to go to college?" and most raise their hands. Then I ask, "Who thinks they really WILL go to college?" and the number drops to below 5 usually. After the 8 weeks, almost ALL the kids think they CAN and WILL go to college, simply because I tell them they can and how to do it.

Children and their education are our future. We ALL need to take the time as parents and as members of society to think about this and find a way to help. The Role Model Program is one great way. (www.therolemodelprogram.org)

Have a VERY Merry Christmas and a GREAT New Year.

Story of Giving from Chris and Joanna Denny

2009-12-17T11:36:00.000-08:00

As we reflect on the joys of the holiday season, our minds flood with the memories we had as young children waking up on Christmas morning to Santa's mystery and magic. We would repeatedly ask ourselves, "How did he know exactly what our little hearts desired?" Only Santa knows for sure!

What makes Christmas so special? The answer is simple: seeing the awe in the faces of children around the world. Because of this, we are devoted each and every holiday season to select names of children from the "giving tree" at our church so that we can give the gift that we too received as kids. Although we are unable to meet the children we select, we know that the gift they are given may be the only present they receive on Christmas morning. Our goal is to spread as much holiday cheer to our younger generation as we can in hope that they will in time also pay it forward.

By lending a helping hand to our fellow neighbors, parishioners, and loved ones, we truly gain the biggest reward! We have found our purpose in life and are eager to continue sharing it with the world.

All Our Best,
Chris and Joanna Denny

Story of Giving from Jackie Dennis

2009-12-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning at 3:00AM with a song of thanks in my heart. I have been a resident of Claremont since June of this year. I waited twelve years for God to lead me to my home, my church, and my community here in Claremont. I was very specific in my prayers for God to surround me by loving and caring neighbors. Well, just know that God is still showing himself. God was working behind the scenes with my realtor Tom Troli, BJ, and Tim Harrison. (Smiling) When I met the previous owners of my home, I was overwhelmed with joy and cried all the way home. The wife told me that she prayed the night before she listed her home. We had the offer in hours after the house went on the market. She had a stroke years before and prayed that God would send someone into her home that would love it as she continues to do so. I have done much in the short time that I have been here. I volunteer each week at the Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona and donate and participate in raising money for the sick baby fund there at the hospital. I prayed that my youngest daughter would move east of the 605 and work at a hospital in my community. She is a registered nurse and received a call from the hospital yesterday for an interview. Last week, I donated an Xmas tree and decorations to a family that had no plans of getting a tree and have not had a tree over the last several years. Little did they realize that it was that experienced that swelled up the Christmas spirit within me. I have volunteered my time with seniors over the years in one way or another to the point of even hosting my own radio show to bring awareness on the issues surrounding seniors. I have worked with Olive Crest in efforts to raise money for a community center for abused and neglected children with a particular interest in orphans. A few evenings ago, I was reading over the Xmas lists of twelve children that reside at Hillview Acres Children Home in Chino Ca. They asked for McDonald’s gift certificates, fluffy house shoes, nail polish, piggy bank, and so many items that pulled so heavy on my heart strings. I am going to quietly slip back into bed before my husband wakes up. (Smiling) if my name is pulled for the 100.00 for my favorite restaurant I would love to get $100.00 Dollars in McDonald gift certificates. Those certificates will get hand delivered to the Women’s shelter in downtown Los Angeles. If my name is pulled to win in the drawing I would love for the 500.00 to be donated to :

Hillview Acres Children’s Home
3683 Chino Avenue
Chino, Ca 91710
www.hillview.org

And if I do not win in the drawing God is still good because of people like you all……………………………………..Thank you, Jackie Dennis

Story of Giving from Jim Hermanson of Absolutely Italian (dba) Spaghetti Eddie’s and Eddie’s New York Pizzeria

2009-01-20T11:51:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the very late response to your company's December newsletter. Ed Inglese and I own Tutti Mangia Italian Grill in Claremont as well as Spaghetti Eddie’s in Glendora and Rancho Cucamonga and the Pizzeria also in Claremont. The newsletter hit a positive nerve with me when I read it in December. Unfortunately it got buried in paperwork and I just re discovered it, But I wanted to respond anyway. My wife and I are involved with a Christian group in Chino called Isaiah’s Rock. At Christmas time they deliver toys and food to over 1800 families in the Inland Empire. Eddie’s New York Pizzeria fed over 200 workers who were working filling bags with toys. They house many people that have medical and social problems. Every Wednesday they feed over 200 people. Spaghetti Eddie’s fed 200 homeless over Christmas at ST. Dorothy’s Catholic Church in Glendora. My wife is associated with Catholic Charities and I am involved with prison ministry. We believe in giving back to the community from a business standpoint as well as personal. I thought that Tim’s letter was very appropriate.